The passage of time since the 2008 Beijing Olympics gave the pianist a new perspective on music. "I want to connect more with music education and the world of music learners," he says, revealing a deep passion for giving back to the next generation. His foundation now supports over 240 schools globally, helping foster a love for music among young students.
"Music changed my life," he says. "I want to help more kids discover the power of music and hopefully change their lives in a positive way.
"In front of kids, I'm more relaxed because I don't want them to feel forced. And so that's why when I'm teaching, I try to express emotions to them, to make sure that when they perform, they're not just typing the notes but expressing their hearts," Lang says.
That commitment to accessibility is reflected in his recording career. In October 2025, his new album, Piano Book 2, the highly anticipated sequel to his album Piano Book, was released by Deutsche Grammophon. The original recording amassed more than 1.2 billion streams globally and topped classical charts across multiple countries, resonating especially with children learning the instrument. The follow-up continues his mission to introduce timeless works in a welcoming, joyful way.
Lang, 43, a global piano superstar, has long been a key figure in bringing classical music beyond its traditional boundaries, engaging new and diverse audiences worldwide. He has also crossed over to playing with other artists, including the heavy metal band Metallica and producer-musician Pharrell Williams.
His belief in the unifying power of music was clear. Reflecting on the parallels between classical music and the Olympics, he says: "Sports and music are both about great discipline, drive and synergy. They are two of the most powerful things we have as humans. We should work as one world rather than a divided world."
His schedule remains relentless. Touring internationally, he appears at many of the world's leading concert halls, collaborating with major orchestras and conductors. His current repertoire is as vast as it is demanding, with the pianist performing an impressive lineup of 12 piano concertos, including the complete set of Beethoven's piano concertos, Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No 2, Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No 1, and Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue.
Yet, his passion for education extends beyond just young learners. Lang has also become increasingly dedicated to promoting Chinese music worldwide. "I feel a greater responsibility now to work with Chinese folk musicians and bring more Chinese music to the world stage," he says.
The timing of the Winter Olympics, coinciding with the Chinese New Year, was especially meaningful. "Chinese New Year has become a symbol of the meeting between the East and the West, and music is a bridge to build friendships. Through traditional Chinese music, we can share the beauty of our culture with the world," the pianist says.
